Basque Government to Propose Social Security Management Transfer by Year-End
The Basque Government has announced its intention to present a proposal by the end of this year for the transfer of the management of the economic regime of Social Security to Euskadi. Currently, the state allocates approximately 12 billion euros towards pensions in the Basque Country, according to María Ubarretxena, the Government spokesperson and Minister of Self-Government. During a press conference following a Government Council meeting, Ubarretxena emphasized the complexity of the proposal, noting that her department has been diligently working on it since July, and that they aim to negotiate with great discretion.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to transfer all outstanding competencies defined in the Statute of Gernika, which totals 29 competencies, before the end of 2025. Ubarretxena highlighted that President Pedro Sánchez has committed to this transfer.
The mentioned 12 billion euros pertains specifically to pension payments in Euskadi and does not include expenses related to Social Security public employees, buildings, or other aspects connected to the future transfer. These details are expected to be outlined in the proposal currently being developed by the Basque Executive.
A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday between Ubarretxena and Arcadi España, the Secretary of State for Territorial Policy, to advance negotiations concerning the first six pending competencies. This is part of the preparations for the Bilateral Permanent Cooperation Commission meeting between the State and Euskadi, set for the end of October and chaired by both Pedro Sánchez and Basque President Imanol Pradales.
The date for this commission meeting was established during a recent discussion between Sánchez and Pradales in Madrid, aimed at addressing regional financing and strengthening cooperation. In addition to the Social Security management transfer, the agenda will include other critical topics impacting relations between both governments.
The immediate objective remains to finalize the transfer of the planning and management of the coast, followed by competencies related to foreign work permits, maritime rescue, meteorology, the film protection fund, and employee health and safety within the national machinery verification center located in Bizkaia.
President Imanol Pradales indicated that the activation of this bilateral commission represents a vital next step towards revitalizing the Spain-Euskadi relationship. This revitalization is framed within the commitments established in the investiture pact between Sánchez's PSOE and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), as well as the programmatic agreement that underpins the current coalition government.
Both agreements focus on ensuring full compliance with the Statute of Gernika within two years of Sánchez's investiture, as well as addressing a new statutory pact that would encompass elements such as bilateralism, a system of guarantees, and national recognition for Euskadi. As developments unfold, the Basque Government continues to advocate for a strengthened regional framework that respects its autonomous status while fostering productive relationships with the national government.
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